by admin | Jun 12, 2014 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
The plot of “Seagrass Pier” is a unique one that features Elin, a heart transplant recipient who frequently experiences what seem to be memories of her donor’s murder. Nearly everyone is skeptical until suspicious incidents, threats, and a stalker convince FBI agent Marc that Elin, her mother, and daughter may actually be in serious danger.
“Seagrass Pier” was a page-turner from the very start and the suspense grew with each chapter. As the story progressed, the suspect list grew along with more than one surprising twist to the tale. Characters and dialogue were well developed and natural. As expected, a romance between Elin and Marc was inevitable yet 100% believable. Both Marc and Elin were flawed but admirable characters whose concern for others was obvious. Although not a predominate factor in the story, Marc and Elin’s faith during their trials was apparent.
I have read and loved nearly every book Colleen Coble has written. If I have missed one, you can be sure it will be in my possession asap. Needless to say I jumped at the chance to review “Seagrass Pier” when it was offered by the Litfuse Group and hoped to be chosen as one of the reviewers. Even if I had missed out, I would have already preordered the book and would now be eagerly awaiting its release date. So thankful I didn’t have to wait that long. I thoroughly enjoyed “Seagrass Pier” as well as the rest of the Hope Beach series and hated to see its end. I enthusiastically recommend it and any other book by Colleen Coble.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
In a secluded corner of Hope Beach, one woman must decipher a stranger’s memories . . . before they cost her everything.
Elin Summerall was one of the lucky ones. Not only did she get a heart transplant, but the donor was a perfect fit. A miraculously perfect fit.
But when Elin begins having violent flashbacks—and vivid dreams of being strangled—she realizes that she has been the recipient of more than just a new heart . . . Elin is remembering her donor’s murder.
Her strange affliction has attracted some unwanted attention: from the press, from the authorities . . . and from the killer himself. Now, living alone with her young daughter and aging mother, Elin is being stalked—by a man she’s only met in her nightmares.
The police are dubious of her story, but one off-duty FBI agent is eager to help her: Agent Marc Everton, the father of Elin’s daughter.
Of course, he doesn’t know about that. Yet.
Now, in a remote cottage on Hope Island, Elin and Marc must probe the secrets buried in her borrowed heart. And there’s no time to waste. One man is desperate to silence her—before she remembers too much.
Learn more and purchase a copy at Colleen’s website.
Read a preview of “Seagrass Pier” HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Colleen Coble has sold over 2 million novels worldwide. “Seagrass Pier,” the third installment in her acclaimed Hope Beach series, marks a new highpoint for emotion and complexity in Coble’s addictive brand of romantic suspense.
Find out more about Colleen at http://www.colleencoble.com/.
by admin | Jun 10, 2014 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance
MY REVIEW:
Melissa Tagg’s first novel “Made to Last” was a winner. Readers first met Blake Hunziker in it where he played a major supporting role. What fun to find him a protagonist in Melissa’s newest offering “Here to Stay”. I loved getting to know him even better and liked what I found. Autumn Kingsley was also a strong character who had given up her dreams to stay in her home town to run the family inn while secretly making plans to take a position in Paris. Although their families were long-time sworn enemies, when Blake and Autumn were persuaded to work together on the Christmas festival, they soon became friends or maybe more.
The plot moved at a steady pace with several twists and surprises along the way. Dialogue was at times witty and at other times quite profound. I enjoyed how the relationship between Blake and Autumn progressed so naturally. Both Blake and Autumn were people I’d like to know in real life. “Here to Stay” is a great stand-alone novel but even better as a follow-up companion to “Made to Last”. I recommend both and look forward to Tagg’s next novel “From the Start”.
This book was provided for review by Bethany House,
a division of Baker Publishing Group through NetGalley.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
After playing nomad for five years, Blake Hunziker has finally had enough of adventure. Not sure what reception he’ll get from everyone back in Whisper Shore, he’s stunned at not only a warm welcome from his hometown but also a job offer. The job is his if he can successfully pull off the annual Christmas Festival. If only he knew the first thing about coordinating events…
If there’s one thing Autumn Kingsley knows, it’s Whisper Shore. For years, she’s been stuck running her family’s inn when all she wants is to see the world. Now she has a visit scheduled from a potential investor who could take over the inn, as well as a dream job offer in Paris. But with just two weeks to whip the inn into shape, her chance at escape is a long shot.
The Hunzikers and the Kingsleys may not get along, but Blake knows Autumn’s the only one who can help him. She agrees to a trade–she’ll help with the Festival and he’ll help with inn repairs. But what was meant to be a simple deal quickly becomes much more than that when the guy who’s done running away joins forces with the girl who can’t wait to leave.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Melissa Tagg, author of Made to Last, is a former reporter and total Iowa girl. In addition to her homeless ministry day job, she is also the marketing/events coordinator for My Book Therapy, a craft-and-coaching community for writers. When she’s not writing, she can be found hanging out with the coolest family ever, watching old movies, and daydreaming about her next book. She’s passionate about humor, grace, and happy endings. Melissa blogs regularly and loves connecting with readers at www.melissatagg.com.
by admin | Jun 10, 2014 | Books, Historical, Novella
MY REVIEW:
“Appalachian Serenade” is the prequel novella to the new Appalachian Blessings series by Sarah Loudin Thomas. Set in small town West Virginia during mid twentieth century, the story is short enough to be read through in one sitting (at least I did). Sarah has a way with words that quickly transported me back to a kinder and gentler (or so it seems) period of time. Her descriptions of Robert’s store brought back memories of the country stores that were so familiar during my childhood.
Delilah Morrissey is a young widow who always seems to know what people want or need before they know for themselves. In certain Christian circles, her special gift might be considered the spiritual gift known as word of knowledge. However one might define her gift, Delilah always used it to bless others and as a result, the business at Robert’s store flourished. Both Delilah and Robert have cherished dreams for their future but after years of waiting, each of them has virtually given up hope of seeing their dreams fulfilled.
“Appalachian Serenade” is a short but sweet romance that gives the reader hope that her own dreams might yet be realized also. If this is any example of the full length books in the series, I cannot wait to dig into them.
This book was a free Kindle download provided by Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Delilah Morrissey has always wanted to be a mother, but when she becomes a young widow, that dream now seems farther away than ever. Unable to continue to live alone in Chicago, her only option is to accept her sister’s offer to move in with her family back in West Virginia. Will Delilah have the faith to pursue a new dream–even if it means giving up the old?
Includes an excerpt of Miracle in a Dry Season, the first full-length novel in the Appalachian Blessings series–a book New York Times bestselling author Debbie Macomber called, “Wonderful, simply wonderful.”
Download a free copy of Appalachian Serenade HERE for a limited time.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Sarah Loudin Thomas is a fund-raiser for a children’s ministry who has also published freelance writing for Mountain Homes Southern Style and Now & Then magazines, as well as The Asheville Citizen-Times and The Journey Christian Newspaper. She holds a bachelor’s in English from Coastal Carolina University. She and her husband reside in Asheville, North Carolina. Learn more at www.sarahloudinthomas.com.
by admin | Jun 9, 2014 | Books, Historical, Romance, San Francisco
MY REVIEW:
What a great book! Characters were so well defined that they practically stepped off the page. I loved the authors unique descriptions and her deft blending of romance and history. I felt like I had a new understanding of early cancer treatment and x-ray technology as well as the absolute horror experienced by thousands during the great San Francisco earthquake. And in the midst of the mesmerizing story, I got a well thought out lesson in faith. I enjoyed reading about the x-ray treatments but kept wanting to tell them they shouldn’t expose themselves to it so much!
Heroine Abby has experienced so much heartbreak in such as short period of time. Her prayers seem to have been ignored and she has decided that God just doesn’t care and is convinced her prayers do not matter. In fact, she is probably more than a bit angry at Him. When Dr. Robert King enters the picture, Abby pins her hope for her sister’s recovery on him and his revolutionary treatment. When things don’t go as planned, Abby’s disappointment and anger is also directed at Robert. Only as hope seems dim and Abby sees answered prayer does she finally realize that God does not always answer prayer the way we want but that He still cares and wants the best for us.
I thought Robert was the perfect hero. He had just enough flaws to make him down-to-earth but was also sensitive, caring, and had integrity. The romance between Abby and Robert was paced well and had enough ups and downs to keep it realistic.
Absolutely loved “Out of the Ruins” and cannot wait for the rest of the Golden Gate Chronicles series.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Out of the Ruins | The Golden Gate Chronicles, Book 1
Abby’s shattered faith in both God and man is challenged when the terrible earthquake hits 1906 San Francisco.
While her sister lies on her deathbed, Abby Fischer prays for a miracle. What Abby doesn’t expect, however, is for God’s answer to come in the form of the handsome Dr. Robert King, whose experimental treatment is risky at best.
As they work together toward a cure, Abby’s feelings for Robert become hopelessly entangled. Separated by the tragedy of the mighty San Francisco earthquake, their relationship suddenly takes a back seat to survival. With fires raging throughout the city, Abby fears for her life as she flees alone through burning streets. Where is God now? Will Robert find Abby, even as the world burns around them? Or has their love fallen with the ruins of the city?
Learn more and purchase a copy at Karen’s website.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Karen Barnett is the author of “Mistaken” and several articles that have been published by “Guideposts” and other national magazines. She lives in Albany, Oregon, with her husband, two children, and three cats. @KarenMBarnett
Find out more about Karen at http://karenbarnettbooks.com.
Enter to win a Kindle HDX & RSVP for 6/19 Facebook Party!
Don’t miss the debut book, Out of the Ruins, in Karen Barnett‘s new series, The Golden Gate Chronicles. Set against the backdrop of early 20th century San Francisco, Out of the Ruins will remind readers that no matter who we are or what we’ve done, God is still as close to us as our next breath.
Karen is celebrating with a fun giveaway and Facebook author chat party.
One winner will receive:
- A Kindle Fire HDX
- Out of the Ruins by Karen Barnett
Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on June 19th. Winner will be announced at the Out of the Ruins Facebook author chat party on June 19th. Connect with Karen for an evening of fun book chat, games, and prizes. Karen will also be answering audience questions and giving an exclusive look at the next book in The Golden Gate Chronicles series!
So grab your copy of Out of the Ruins and join Karen on the evening of June 19th for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven’t read the book, don’t let that stop you from coming!)
Don’t miss a moment of the fun; RSVP today. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 19th!
by admin | Jun 9, 2014 | Amish, Books, Giveaways
Don’t miss the first book, Rumspringa’s Hope, in Beth Shriver‘s new Spirit of the Amish series.
Beth is celebrating the series launch with a Kindle Fire Giveaway!
One winner will receive:
- A Kindle Fire
- Rumspringa’s Hope by Beth Shriver
Enter today, but hurry! The giveaway ends on June 22nd. Winner will be announced June 23rd on Beth’s blog.
Don’t miss a moment of the fun; enter today and be sure to stop by Beth’s blog on June 23rd to see if you won.
